Abstract: An optical disc includes an optical disc; a thermally conductive material disposed in a pattern of discrete pads on said disc; and a thermochromic material disposed over said pattern of thermally conductive material. A method of making an optical disc includes indenting a pattern onto an insulator; and depositing a thermally conductive material into indents of said pattern.

Abstract: A multicolor thermosensitive recording medium having thermosensitive coloring layers which are formed by printing water-dispersion thermosensitive inks or water-dispersion inks on an ink receptive layer using a printing plate. The recording medium comprises an ink receptive layer formed on a surface of a substrate, thermosensitive coloring layers developing different colors, which are integrated with the ink receptive layer by impregnating the ink receptive layer with a water-dispersion thermosensitive ink that is prepared by dispersing in water a pigment component including at least an electron-accepting compound and electron-donating compound. The color density and coloring sensitivity of the thermosensitive coloring layers have been improved by providing over the thermosensitive coloring layers an auxiliary coloring layer containing at least one of an electron-accepting compound and a sensitizer.

Abstract: An inkjet recording medium production method including at least forming an ink absorbing layer on or above a support, wherein the ink absorbing layer includes vapor-phase silica and at least two matting agents having different number average particle diameters and having distribution degree of 0.2 or less, and an inkjet recording medium production method including at least forming an ink absorbing layer and a glossy layer on or above a support, wherein the ink absorbing layer includes vapor-phase silica, the glossy layer includes colloidal silica, and either the ink absorbing layer or the glossy layer includes at least two matting agents having different number average particle diameters and having distribution degree of 0.2 or less.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a recorded matter having an ink-receiving layer of a porous structure. The ink-receiving layer has an image region where an image is formed with a coloring material. The method includes the steps of (i) applying an ink to the ink-receiving layer to obtain an image region where an image is formed with a coloring material contained in the ink, (ii) applying a liquid comprising a non-volatile liquid not dissolving the coloring material to the ink-receiving layer, and (iii) forming a portion in which all or substantially all of the coloring material distributed in a thickness direction of the ink-receiving layer is embedded in the non-volatile liquid by rubbing the non-volatile liquid after it is applied. The non-volatile liquid contains an ester of a saturated fatty acid and an alcohol.

Abstract: A direct thermographic material has one or more thermographic layers comprising a film-forming polymer binder on a polymeric support. Disposed between the polymeric support and the one or more thermographic layers is a non-light sensitive adhesive layer comprising one or more polyisocyanate crosslinked hydrophobic polymer binders.

Abstract: A thermally printable commercially functional cash register tape produced from a thin oriented, heat stabilized, thermoplastic film is described. This thermoplastic tape replaces the currently used paper cash register tape. It will accept printing, has sufficient machine direction stiffness and sufficiently reduced surface electrical charges to function in conventional commercial cash register printers. The thermoplastic tape is much thinner than the conventional paper tape so a roll of the plastic register tape contains about 4.7 times the paper length of a typical cash register roll.

Abstract: An ink jet recording medium and its manufacturing method are disclosed, the medium comprising a substrate and provided thereon, plural ink absorption layers including an upper layer containing inorganic pigment and thermoplastic particles, wherein the content by weight of the inorganic pigment is greater than that of the thermoplastic particles.

Abstract: The thermal recording media of the present invention provides an intense image resistant to fade. Ideally there is provided a high Print Contrast Signal (PCS) image that greatly enhances reliable high-speed readability with a high percentage of accuracy in detecting the imaged areas when optical or electronic decoding devices and scanners are utilized. Uses include, but are not limited to security applications such as airline baggage tags, laminated durable labels for use in pathology, hematology, and general laboratory uses and on such applications as pre-stainer sample slides, ultraviolet thermal imaging durable labels, or durable labels for use on returnable totes or shipping containers.

Abstract: An aqueous resin composition used to form an undercoat layer of a thermosensitive recording medium, comprising a water-repellent filler (A) having a water-repellent surface, which is composed of at least one of an organosilicon compound and an organofluorine compound, and an aqueous solution or water dispersion of a film-forming resin (B), which contains the water-repellent filler (A).

Abstract: An aqueous resin composition used to form an undercoat layer of a thermosensitive recording medium, comprising a water-repellent filler (A) having a water-repellent surface, which is composed of at least one of an organosilicon compound and an organofluorine compound, and an aqueous solution or water dispersion of a film-forming resin (B), which contains the water-repellent filler (A).

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to produce an image in gray scale on a film using direct thermal imaging, and preferably near infrared direct thermal imaging. The present invention provides a multi-layered, laminated, non-cavitated film that has proper surface characteristics and heat transfer properties by virtue of the proper combination of polymeric layers and coatings, in particular, the active direct thermal coating, and topcoat which produce direct thermal imaging with gray scale. Such a film may be used for temporary personal identification devices, for instance, hospital wristbands and backstage passes, and may incorporate bar code data, photographs as well as other pertinent data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for developing latent or hidden images. The device includes a first substrate containing a hidden or latent image printed on a first surface thereof, wherein the image contains one or more chromogenic compounds. A second substrate having a first surface contains a developer coating for developing the hidden or latent image. The developer coating includes a developer compound, a micro-encapsulated solvent, and an adhesive. Upon sufficient interfacial contact between the first surfaces of the first and second substrates, a visible image is produced. The device enables production of a relatively vibrant, full color images which are substantially non-toxic and relatively inexpensive to make.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal recording material comprising a plurality of layers including at least a thermal recording layer on a support that is characterized in that an intermediate layer composed of gelatin as a binder is provided between at least one pair of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers. Further, the steps for forming the thermal recording material by coating and drying the respective coating liquids for forming each layer that are characterized in that the drying process of the intermediate layer is performed while controlling wet membrane surface temperature at no higher than 35° C.

Abstract: Support means for sublimation decorations (2) comprise paper sheet means (4) arranged to receive on one face thereof (4a) said decorations (2), a further face (4b) of said sheet means (4) opposite the one said face (4a) being permanently associated with barrier means (5; 17, 18) arranged to hinder the passage of air through said further face (4b); a method for manufacturing support means (1) for sublimation decorations (2) comprises obtaining said decorations (2) on a face (4a) of paper sheet means (4), permanently associating with a further face (4b) of said sheet means (4) opposite the said one face (4a) barrier means (5; 17, 18) arranged to substantially prevent the passage of air through said further face (4b).

Abstract: In order to provide a recorded matter having image fastness to light and gas, disclosed is a recorded matter having an ink-receiving layer of a porous structure, wherein the ink-receiving layer has an image region where an image is formed with a coloring material, wherein the image region has a portion in which all or substantially all of the coloring material distributing in a thickness direction of the ink-receiving layer is embedded in a non-volatile liquid which does not dissolve the coloring material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for providing improved image quality and water resistance of dye based ink images on substrates using aqueous dispersed mordants and dispersed hydrophobic materials.

Abstract: A color image is digitally printed onto an intermediate transfer medium. The image is subsequently transferred from the intermediate transfer medium to a final substrate, which may be a cellulosic textile, such as cotton. Bonding of the color images is provided by the reaction between compounds selected from each of two chemical groups contained in the intermediate transfer medium. The first groups comprises compounds with functional groups capable of reacting with active hydrogen, such as isocyanate or epoxy groups. The second group comprises compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen, or compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen after a conversion process. The functional groups of one or both reactive chemical groups may be protected either by blocking with internal or external blocking agents or by a physical barrier such as encapsulating agents.

Abstract: A translucent web-type recording material includes a substrate, a recording layer for recording data on at least one side, and a pigmented intermediate layer having regions of different thickness to form markings. The pigmented layer is arranged between the substrate and the recording layer.

Abstract: Production of a permanent ink-jet image with a fusible, wettable, colorant-containing toner and ink-jetted clear fluid.

Abstract: An information recording-displaying card, includes: a core sheet; and an over sheet bonded to the core sheet, including: a support including an amorphous polyester resin, and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer disposed on the support, including: an electron-donating coloring compound, and an electron-accepting compound. The reversible thermosensitive recording layer is capable of relatively forming a coloring state and a decolorizing state, with a difference in at least one of heating temperature, and cooling rate after heating. The over sheet is embossable in an upper portion thereof, functions as an image displaying section, and meets the following condition (A) and condition (B): (A) (the over sheet's upper limit temperature for erasing ?30° C.)?(temperature of a storage elasticity E? (1.0 E+08) Pa)?200° C., and (B) 1.0 E+04 Pa?(the storage elasticity E? of the over sheet at 180° C.)?5.0 E+07 Pa.

Abstract: An information recording-displaying card, includes: core sheet; and over sheet bonded to core sheet, including: a support including an amorphous polyester resin, and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer on the support, including: an electron-donating coloring compound, and an electron-accepting compound. The reversible thermosensitive recording layer is capable of forming coloring state and decolorizing state, with difference in at least one of the following: heating temperature, and cooling rate after heating. The over sheet is embossable in upper portion thereof, functions as image displaying section, and meets the following conditions (A), (B) and (C): (A) (over sheet's upper limit temperature for erasing?30° C.)>(over sheet's temperature of storage elasticity E? (1.0 E+08) Pa), (B) 10 ?m or less of surface waviness WCM, and (C) 1.0 E+02 Pa?(storage elasticity E? of reversible thermosensitive over sheet at 180° C.)?5.0 E+07 Pa.

Abstract: A transfer sheet for an ink jet printer comprises a support, and a transfer layer which is capable of separating from the support and contains a hot-melt adhesive particle, and the hot-melt adhesive particle comprises a first porous hot-melt adhesive fine particle having an oil absorption of not less than 50 ml/100 g. The transfer layer may further comprise a second hot-melt adhesive fine particle having an oil absorption of less than 50 ml/100 g, a film-forming resin component, and a dye fixing agent. The hot-melt adhesive fine particle may comprise a nylon fine particle, and the average particle size thereof may be 1 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer provided on the substrate, wherein the ink—receiving layer includes an alumina hydrate having a boehmite structure, an average particle thickness of 2.0 to 6.0 nm and a crystallite size of 5.0 to 8.0 nm in a direction of a (020) plane, and the recording medium has a degree of parallelization of 30 to 1,000.

Abstract: A multicolor image-forming material comprises: an image-receiving sheet having an image-receiving layer and a support; and at least four thermal transfer sheets each including a support, a light-to-heat converting layer and an image-forming layer, in which each of the thermal transfer sheets has a different color, wherein a multicolor image is formed by: superposing the image-forming layer in each of the at least four thermal transfer sheets on the image-receiving layer, such that the image-forming layer is opposed to the image-receiving layer; irradiating the image-forming layer with a laser beam; transferring the irradiated area of the image-forming layer onto the image-receiving layer to form an image; and transferring the image on the image-receiving layer onto an actual printing paper, and each of the at least four thermal transfer sheets has a recording area being defined by a product of a length of 515 mm or more and width of 728 mm or more, and each of the at least four thermal transfer sheets is larg

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal transfer paper comprising a metal layer and capable of partially dissolving the metal layer, which comprises a dissolving function formed of at least one resin selected from the group consisting emulsion resins, water-soluble acryl resins, water-soluble polybutyral resins, alcohol-soluble polybutyral resins, water-soluble vinyl resins and alcohol-soluble vinyl resins, water or an alcohol solvent, and sodium hydroxide or an acid on the metal layer. The thermal transfer paper according to the present invention is provided with a dissolving function layer 30 able to dissolve a part of a metal layer 20, preferably an aluminum deposition layer 21 to form a dissolved part according to a desired design or pattern. Therefore, it is possible to produce unique color and texture, unlike a metal layer pattern formed by oxidation of a part on the metal layer.

Abstract: In the invention, a recording material containing a support having a recording layer thereon capable of forming a color by the application of heat and/or pressure is provided, and the material further contains at least one layer containing acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol and a hardening agent between the support and the recording layer. The hardening agent is a compound having, in one molecule thereof, two or more vinyl groups adjacent to a substituent having a positive Hammett's substituent constant ?p.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making an image-recording element, for example a dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer, that includes a support having on one side thereof a image-receiving layer and, between the image-receiving layer and the support, a tie layer comprising a thermoplastic antistat polymer. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming a first melt of a polymer for the surface layer and a second melt comprising a thermoplastic antistat polymer in a polymeric binder; (b) coextruding the two melts onto a polyolefin support; (c) stretching the coextruded layers to reduce the thickness; and (d) applying the coextruded melts to a support while simultaneously reducing the temperature below the Tg of the composition of the surface layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of making an image-recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer, wherein the process comprises forming a melt of a polyester material, extruding the melt, and applying the extruded melt to the support for the image-receiving element. The polyester material used for the extruded melt comprises a polyester comprising recurring dibasic acid derived units and polyol derived units, at least 50 mole % of the dibasic acid derived units comprising dicarboxylic acid derived units containing an alicyclic ring, and at least 30 mole % of the polyol derived units containing an aromatic ring not immediately adjacent to each hydroxyl group of the corresponding polyol, 25 to 75 mole % of the polyol derived units of the polyester are non-aromatic, and at least 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat-sensitive recording material which comprises at least (a) a support, (b) a heat-sensitive recording layer formed on at least one side of the support and containing an electron-donating compound and an electron-accepting compound and (c) a protective layer, the protective layer being an outermost layer provided by being formed on a smooth-surfaced substrate and removing the smooth-surfaced substrate, and the protective layer surface having a distinctness of image (according to JIS K 7105-1981) of at least 75% (slit width 2 mm), as well as a process for preparing the heat-sensitive recording material.

Abstract: Processes for effecting thermal transfer of electroactive organic material are disclosed wherein unwanted portions of a layer of electroactive organic material supported by a donor element are removed or transferred from the layer by thermal transfer, particularly laser-induced thermal transfer, leaving a desired pattern of the electroactive organic material on the donor element. The electroactive organic material may be an organic material exhibiting electroluminescence, charge transport, charge injection, electrical conductivity, semiconductivity and/or exciton blocking. The layer of electroactive organic material may comprise more than one layer of different types of electroactive organic material. The exposure pattern is a negative image of the desired pattern. The electroactive organic material of the desired pattern is not, therefore, exposed to the heat which can cause decomposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer recording medium having a solvent-resistant layer based on a polyester resin wherein an even ink layer is formed by coating on the solvent-resistant layer. A thermal transfer recording medium 10 of the present invention comprises a solvent-resistant layer 2 based on a polyester resin on a substrate 1 and an ink layer 3 based on a ketone resin on the solvent-resistant layer 2. The solvent-resistant layer 2 contains a polyethylene wax in the range from 10 to 80% by weight of on the basis of the solid content of the solvent-resistant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable element, which includes: a substrate; a crosslinked layer disposed on the substrate; and an imageable ink-receptive layer disposed on the crosslinked layer, the imageable ink-receptive layer including an ablation free imageable composition. The present invention provides methods of producing the above imaged element.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a support, a heat-sensitive recording layer comprising a leuco dye and a developer, and a protective layer comprising a resin in the form of a film, the protective layer being obtained by coating the heat-sensitive recording layer with a protective layer aqueous coating composition comprising at least resin particles having a core/shell structure and then drying the coating, wherein the resin in the form of a film formed of said resin particles having a core/shell structure is present in an amount of not less than 80 mass % of the total solids of the protective layer, and the protective layer having a gloss (based on JIS P 8142) of not less than 80%, a heat-sensitive recording material comprising an interlayer between the heat-sensitive recording layer and the support of the heat-sensitive recording material, as well as processes for preparing these heat-sensitive recording materials.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material and a recording process. The heat-sensitive recording material is excellent in head-matching property and has a good coating surface without coating failure. The heat-sensitive recording material has, on a support, a heat-sensitive recording layer, a protective layer and other layers as necessary. The protective layer contains a specific aliphatic compound derivative having at least a —CONH— structure and/or a water-soluble polymer having a specific repeating unit.

Abstract: A heat sensitive recording material includes a support having successively disposed thereon at least a heat sensitive recording layer and a protective layer, with the protective layer containing an ammonium salt of alkylsulfosuccinic acid.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording material comprising a support such as paper bearing thereon a first layer comprising multivoided particles and, disposed on the first layer, a thermosensitive recording layer is provided.

Abstract: Articles having a component with a surface defining microstructured features can be formed using thermal transfer elements. One example of a suitable thermal transfer element includes a microstructured layer having a surface defining microstructured features imposed on the microstructured layer. The thermal transfer element is configured and arranged for the transfer of at least a portion of the microstructured layer to a receptor while substantially preserving the microstructured features of that portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for repairing coated substrate surfaces comprising the following successive steps: a) optionally preparing a blemished area to be repaired, b) providing a backing film coated on one side with an uncured or at least partially cured coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high energy radiation, c) applying the backing film with its coated side onto the blemished area to be repaired, d) irradiating the coating applied in this manner onto the blemished area to be repaired with high energy radiation and e) removing the backing film, wherein the coating is irradiated through the backing film and/or after removing the backing film.

Abstract: Trading cards for clothing and the like that include an integral removable gemstone applique (tattoo), or an integral removable temporary printed tattoo with gemstone adornments, both for body ornamentation purposes. The gemstone tattoo is formed on a multi-layer-paper backing that is attached to the trading card by special pressure sensitive adhesive. The tattoo also includes a water soluble slip layer, a waterproof film coating, and a plurality of gemstones bonded to the waterproof film and sandwiched between the film and slip layer. The gemstone trading card is a stimulating and eye-catching novelty that compels notice by potential customers.

Abstract: An ink jet recording material having excellent smoothness and gloss and capable of recording thereon ink images having high color density clarity, water resistance and sharpness comparative to the silver salt photographic images has a recording stratum formed on a substrate and comprising a single ink receiving layer or a plurality of ink receiving layers superposed on each other and containing a pigment and a binder, at least one ink receiving layer containing fine particles of at least one pigment selected from silica, aluminosilicate, and &agr;-, &thgr;-, &dgr;- and &ggr;-aluminas and having an average particle size of 1 &mgr;m or less and optionally a light resistance-enhancing agent for images including at least one of phenolic compounds, boric acid, borate salts and cyclodextrin compounds.

Abstract: A recording medium for ink jet printing comprises a base material layer such as paper or plastic sheet, a porous lower layer formed on the base material layer, and a porous upper layer formed on the porous lower layer. The porous lower layer contains hydrated alumina showing a boehmite structure. The porous upper layer mainly comprises agglomerates of spherical silica particles with particle diameters ranging between 1 and 100 nm and a binder and contains voids mainly found between the agglomerates, not within the agglomerates. Preferably, a second type of spherical silica particles having smaller particle diameters than the above first type of spherical silica particles are also contained in the porous upper layer, and in this case, the first type particles have particle diameters ranging between 10 and 100 nm and are mostly found outside the agglomerates, while the second type particles have particle diameters ranging between 1 and 10 nm and are mostly found within the agglomerates.

Abstract: A monosheet black and white substantially light-insensitive thermographic recording material comprising a thermosensitive element and a support, the thermosensitive element containing a substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt and an organic reducing agent therefor in thermal working relationship therewith and a binder, wherein the thermographic recording material comprises a reaction product of an amino-group containing polymer and a compound according to formula (I): wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy or aryloxy group; L is a divalent linking group selected from the group consisting of oxygen and optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups; and m is either 0 or 1; and n is either 0 or 1; and a preparation process therefor.

Abstract: An ink jet recording sheet which comprises a support and an ink-receiving layer formed on at least one side of the support, said ink-receiving layer comprising a pigment, colloidal particles or a mixture thereof, and a binder resin, as the main components, wherein the ink-receiving layer contains at least one organic titanium compound of the following formula 1 or 2: wherein R is hydrogen or CmH2m+1, provided that m is 3 or 4, R′ is hydrogen, NH4+ or CnH2n+1, provided that n is an integer of from 1 to 3, and x is an integer of from 1 to 3,  wherein R″ is CpH2p, provided that p is an integer of from 5 to 8, R′″ is CqH2q+1, provided that q is 3 or 4, and y is an integer of from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A phosphor paste composition for plasma display panels (PDP) is provided which comprises a phosphor dispersed in an organic paste comprising a solvent, a binder, at least one dispersant comprising stearic acid, and a plasticizer. The paste compositions are very stable and have desirable screen-printing properties. In addition, the phosphor contained in the paste retains a high percentage of its initial brightness following binder burn-out.

Abstract: A transfer sheet comprises a base sheet, a thermal transfer layer having a plurality of YMC transfer region sets, each transfer region set having a plurality of transfer regions with functions different from each other, and identification marks formed in the YMC transfer region sets, respectively. The identification marks formed in the different YMC transfer region sets have different forms, respectively. The transfer regions are printed by using a plurality of transfer region printing cylinders, each provided with a plurality of printing plates, and the identification marks of different forms are printed by using a single identification mark printing cylinder. The respective identification marks of the YMC transfer region sets represent information about the positions of the corresponding YMC transfer region sets, respectively. The transfer regions are transferred after correcting transfer conditions on the basis of information represented by the identification marks.

Abstract: An information recording sheet of the present invention includes a substrate sheet, a variable information recording layer formed on the substrate sheet and a fixed information recording layer formed on a part of the variable information recording layer and made of a subliming dye receptor layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an image receptor medium which comprises an extruded image receptive layer that is receptive to solvent-based inkjet ink. Image receptive layers of the invention comprise a blend of an ink absorptive resin and a carrier resin. The ink absorptive resin is compatible with the carrier resin and had a Hildebrand Solubility Parameter within about 3.1 (MPa)1/2 of that of the solvent of the ink. In another aspect, the invention provides an image receptor medium which comprises a coextruded or extrusion coated image receptive layer and a core layer bonded together. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of printing images and methods of making an extrusion coated or coextruded image receptor medium.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material, comprising a layer support, on whose front face a heat-sensitive recording layer is arranged, containing a colorant precursor and a colorant acceptor which undergoes a colorant formation reaction when it comes into contact with the colorant precursor, an intermediate layer arranged between the layer support and heat-sensitive recording layer, a protective layer that is free from compounds containing silicone, is hardened by actinic radiation and covers the heat-sensitive recording layer and a self-adhesive layer arranged on the back of the layer support, is used as a label material which can be wound on a roll and printed by the offset or flexographic printing process and in which the self-adhesive layer is in contact with the protective layer in the roll.

Abstract: A method of forming a scratch resistant color ink pattern of multi-color coatings (5) onto a see-through panel (6) with exact registration between successive color coatings of the pattern.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording material has a support, a thermosensitive recording layer formed thereon, containing an electron-donating coloring compound, an electron-accepting compound a binder resin, and a protective layer formed on the thermosensitive recording layer, which contains an ultraviolet-curing resin and a copolymer resin containing a silicone component as a copolymerizing component.